cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate)

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a molecule that is important in many biological processes; it is derived from adenosine triphosphate (ATP). cAMP is a second messenger, used for intracellular signal transduction, such as transferring the effects of hormones like adrenaline, which cannot get through the cell membrane. Its main purpose is the activation of protein kinases, and it is also used to regulate the passage of Ca2+ through ion channels. cAMP is primarily broken down by the enzyme phosphodiesterase.